摘要:Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well- being of children and youth. The right to play is a child's first claim on the community. Play is nature's training for life. No community can infringe that right without doing deep and enduring harm to the minds and bodies of its citizens. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children. Play is integral to the academic environment. It ensures that the school setting attends to the social and emotional development of children as well as their cognitive development. Physical education and play are two areas that are alarmingly neglected in the public school system. Positive experiences of play and physical activity can also enhance children and young people's mental health by building up their confidence, self esteem and resilience. It is also through play, both in the community and at school, that children develop friendships and a sense of belonging to a peer group